Hot Topics

2010-2011 BUDGET

• Governor's Budget Address – Scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 10:30am

• Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearing Schedule (PDF)
• More Budget Information

FEDERAL STIMULUS DOLLARS

• December 2009 – Citizens' Update (PDF)
• October 2009 – A Citizens’ Update (PDF) has been compiled for residents of the Commonwealth to learn about the progress being made in Pennsylvania through the use of federal stimulus money.
• Assistance Available - Individuals, businesses and local governments may qualify for tax credits, grants and financing under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

• www.recovery.pa.gov - This website has been established to provide residents the ability to track the distribution and use of Pennsylvania's stimulus money. Find out how stimulus dollars are being spent in York County.

• Stimulus Oversight Commission – On March 27th Governor Rendell created a Commission to provide oversight of Pennsylvania's approximately $16 billion share of the Federal stimulus money, and I have been appointed to serve as the Senate Republican Caucus' representative.

SENATE RULES OF ETHICAL CONDUCT

• Senate Resolution 228 was introduced by Senator Scarnati on January 19, 2010.

• I have signed on as a co-sponsor of this bi-partisan set of rules that will ensure Senate members, their staff, and the public have a clear understanding of what conduct is and is not allowed within the Senate.

• The Senate Rules and Executive Nominations held a hearing on February 3, 2010 to gather testimony on the proposal. Click here to access audio clips and written testimony from guests.

Recent News

February 3, 2010 - Waugh Legislation to Impose Court Costs on Defendants Garners Senate Passage

January 2010 - Senator Waugh television show this month features highlights from the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

January 27, 2010 - Senate Committee Approves Waugh Legislation to Impose Court Costs on Defendants 

November 9, 2009 - Waugh, DePasquale Champion Hydrocephalus Awareness

November 6, 2009 - Waugh to Participate in Hydrocephalus Awareness Press Conference

October 6, 2009 - Senator Waugh's E-Newsletter

September 25, 2009 - Waugh Questions Distribution of Federal Stimulus Funds to ACORN

September 11, 2009 - Senator Waugh Joins Legislative Leaders to Announce Budget Agreement

August 2009 - Senator Waugh's Television Show Posted Online

August 2009 – Senator Waugh spoke with The Commonwealth Foundation regarding prevailing wage issues.  Click the link for the Foundation and Senator Waugh’s interview is contained in Segment 4.

August 11, 2009 - Senator Waugh comments on Senate Bill 240, which would modernize, standardize and improve Pennsylvania's Emergency Medical Services Law to ensure high levels of patient care and greater public safety.

August 5, 2009 -  Senator Waugh's E-Newsletter

August 4, 2009 - Waugh's Bank Robbery Legislation Clears House Judiciary Committee

August 2, 2009 - Waugh participates in Harley Davidson "Save Our Plant" Rally. View Photos.

July 20, 2009 - Senator Waugh comments after the Senate voted to amend House Bill 1416.  The vote restored higher education and student aid to the general fund budget. The Senate spending plan is balanced and does not require any tax increases.
 

July 14, 2009 - Senator Waugh urges action on a state budget that cuts spending and includes no new taxes.

July 9, 2009 - Senator Waugh's E-Newsletter

July 2009 - Senator Waugh's Television Show Posted Online

July 2, 2009 - Waugh's Modular Building Legislation Receives Final Passage, Heads to Governor

more . . .

Announcements

Non-Civil Service Employment

After December 9th, all individuals interested in non-civil service employment with the Commonwealth must apply online at www.employment.pa.gov.  For more information, including frequently asked questions, be sure to visit the website, and if you know of someone interested in applying who does not have internet access, they can call 1-866-858-2753 to locate the closest PA CareerLink.

Hunters Sharing the Harvest

The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Department of Agriculture have once again joined forces in support of Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH), a program dedicated to donating venison to Pennsylvania food banks and soup kitchens.  Both hunters and non-hunters can help support the effort through processed venison or monetary donations.  On average, the meat from one deer can result in 200 meals for Pennsylvanians in need, so be sure to visit the website for more information on you can help.

H1N1 Flu Website

Pennsylvania’s Department of Health has launched a website, H1N1inPA.com, for residents to access important information regarding the virus.

Chesapeake Bay – Online Tools

The Chesapeake Bay Program has launched several online tools that can help you learn more about the Chesapeake Bay, the watershed in which you live, and the effects our daily lives have on the Bay.

November is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month

On October 9, 2009, the Senate approved my Senate Resolution 206, designating November as Hydrocephalus Awareness Month in PA. Mark your calendars for a press conference on the subject scheduled for November 9th at 12:30pm at the Capitol.

Qualified School Construction Bonds (UPDATED)

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus dollars will be available to traditional public schools and charter schools in the form of Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB).  Originally, the PA Department of Education promised to have the application and guidelines developed by late summer or early fall, but they have not done so as of late October.  In response, the Senate Majority Leader, Dominic Pileggi, and the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Jeff Piccola, have called on the Department to develop the guidelines promptly.

Health Care Update

Click here to read an online newsletter covering important health care issues such as extended insurance for adult children, a mini-COBRA program for small employers, and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Local Technical Assistance Program
 (LTAP) for Municipalities

more announcements . .